Restoration of SERCA ATPase prevents oxidative stress-related muscle atrophy and weakness

Abstract

Molecular targets to reduce muscle weakness and atrophy due to oxidative stress have been elusive. Here we show that activation of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) with CDN1163, a novel small molecule allosteric SERCA activator, ameliorates the muscle impairment in the CuZnSOD deficient (Sod1-/-) mouse model of oxidative stress. Sod1-/- mice are characterized by reduced SERCA activity, muscle weakness and atrophy, increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Seven weeks of CDN1163 treatment completely restored SERCA activity and reversed the 23% reduction in gastrocnemius mass and 22% reduction in specific force in untreated Sod1-/- versus wild type mice. These changes were accompanied by restoration of autophagy protein markers to the levels found in wild-type mice. CDN1163 also reversed the increase in mitochondrial ROS generation and oxidative damage in muscle tissue from Sod1-/- mice. Taken together our findings suggest that the pharmacological restoration of SERCA is a promising therapeutic approach to counter oxidative stress-associated muscle impairment.